This year flew by in no time. It felt like it was two times shorter than any other one.
I can't say that I didn't notice it, as it was one of the most difficult years in my life, but it sure went fast.
Early on I ended up finally getting my load of the weaselly coronavirus, which drained me of energy, brain capacity and happiness, and turned me into a witch for a good month, if not longer. And at about the same time my worst nightmare made headlines all across the globe – my home country invaded neighbouring Ukraine. The ongoing war and everything that comes out of it on all levels painted everything after Feb. 24 grey and up to black at times.
Yeah, this year will definitely be on the very bottom of the list of my best years. And hopefully, 2022 will keep its spot there forever.
So, when a friend of mine recently asked about any good things and achievements that I could recall from this past year, I went quiet for quite a while. But then she started asking me more specific questions.
Have you reached any personal goals, she asked. Have you visited at least one new place, even if it’s small? Have you felt absolutely happy next to your loved one at least one time this year? At least once this year, have you felt like you have wings? Have you learned anything new? Was there at least one time when you were laughing so hard you couldn't help it? Was there something that you did and were involved with that made a difference?
These questions gradually filled my long pause with pictures from this past year. It wasn't that easy to find the answers, and it took me some time. But after a while, I realized how many great memories I actually made in 2022 despite all the odds.
I didn't get to travel much, but I finally made it to Castle Butte, and absolutely loved it. I got to meet some really great people. I shared some precious memories with my hubby. I got to have some wonderful moments with close friends. I got to do some interesting-to-write stories. I had a hat trick plus one with Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association's awards. And there is more.
If you really think about it, there is always something good – bright moments you capture, achievements you've been working on for so hard, wonderful people you meet, beautiful views you encounter, sincere laughs you get to share with loved ones or with complete strangers – there is always something to be grateful for.
There are always good things that happen to us. We just need to make sure we notice them, and the questions that my friend asked actually help with that. Once I focused on the many great moments I had throughout my least favourite year, I realized that one way or the other many of the wishes I made a year ago came true.
In my last 2021 column, I listed a few things I was looking forward to in 2022 personally and professionally. Of course, not all of them came true, but some did. There were many great happenings in Estevan I got to attend. I enjoyed the live play at the Souris Valley Theatre and many other great returns. I didn't get to see any new national parks this year, but I ended up going to the Calgary Stampede for the first time and visited a few new spots in Banff.
And of course, I got my Canadian passport. (Once again, thank you so much for the support and all the kind words that flooded my feed when I shared that milestone with you!)
These observations once again reminded me why I love making wishes so much – because it helps them come true. Once I word what I want, I think, it actually turns into a goal, and then, consciously or not, I start working towards it. Not always I get there fast or at all, but in most cases I actually do.
With all that said, as 2022 is already at the door and 2023 is ready to bring in some new adventures and hopes, there are two things I want to wish everyone.
First, take time and go through the list of questions above. Ignore those that are irrelevant or add some, make it your personal list of questions, but try to remember what made the past year meaningful, special and good. (And maybe offer people around you the chance to answer them. It worked amazingly for me.)
And second, make wishes. Be it on New Year's Eve or with any other occasion, word your dreams, and come the end of the next year, let's see how many of them come true.
Happy New Year!
